Professor David Dorfman to represent Cricket Valley protesters

Professor David Dorfman is representing 29 people who were arrested on Saturday, November 18, 2019, for entering and “occupying” the Cricket Valley Gas Plant in Dover Plains, NY. Professor Dorfman explains that, “The plant is not yet on line, still in its testing phase, but will be one of the largest gas powered plants on the eastern seaboard. It’s fuel will be shale gas, from fracked wells mostly in Pennsylvania.  Shale gas is mostly methane, a very heat absorptive greenhouse gas.  The plant will also emit other toxic chemicals by combustion, likely endangering the health of the people of the Harlem Valley.” A majority of the 29 defendants were arraigned on December 9, 2019 and January 13, 2020. All are facing B misdemeanor Trespass charges or Trespass as violation charges. So far Professor Dorfman has received assistance from members of the Criminal Justice Clinic, student attorneys and Pro Bono scholars Daniel Steyskal, Dijonnae Samuels and Caitlin Navarro. Additionally, six Haub Law students came up to Dover Plains to watch the court process, shadow Professor Dorfman and the clinic students, and meet the defendants. You can read more about the case here.